. >>> two of the most popular cars in america got bad grades in a new crash tests and as edward lawrence reports this morning family cars earn higher marks in crash safety than most luxury sedans in the study. >> reporter: megan lynch's job keeps her on the road. she thought a 2012 prius would be a good investment. >> i was told i would get close to 50 miles a gallon, which would be great going back and forth. >> reporter: but she never thought the prius v would be among the worst performers in a crash test. the institute put 18 mid size family cars through the test, simulating what happens when only the front corner of a car hits another vehicle or object. the institute says one quarter of serious injuries is and deaths in frontal crashes occur in these overall impacts. the survival rate for the driver in the prius v was found to be severely compromised. the side air bag also deployed too late. the country's top-selling mid size car the toyota cam are also got a poor rating. the wheel was shoved into the well on impact. the honda accord and suzuki got good ratings. the institute says 13